Rory McIlroy backs Paul McGinley to captain Europe at the 2014 Ryder Cup and sees Darren Clarke as the man for 2016

Rory McIlroy says Darren Clarke would make a fine Ryder Cup captain, but would choose Paul McGinley for the job in 2014.

Following Europe's remarkable comeback victory at Medinah two weeks ago, speculation has already started about who should lead the side at Gleneagles in two years' time.

A decision on the job is not expected until January, but over the last few days Clarke has emerged as the favourite for the position.

However, McIlroy has his own views on the situation and told Sky Sports: "I always thought Clarkey would be a better captain in the US.

"If it was up to me I would like to see (Paul) McGinley as Ryder Cup captain in 2014 and then Clarkey in 2016 - I think that would work very well."

Meanwhile, McIlroy's Medinah team-mate Lee Westwood is of the opinion that Clarke would jump at the chance to lead the side in 2014 and feels he has all the right attributes.

Great credentials

"It's a bit early for that as they don't make the decision until January and Darren doesn't like it that people are already giving it to him," added Westwood.

"But I'm sure he'd take it if he was offered it and I think he'd make a good captain.

"He's got all the credentials; recently won a major championship, he's been great in the Ryder Cup, played five of them, won countless tournaments, good public speaker, good motivator - so I've no reason to think he wouldn't be a great captain if he got it."

Tiger Woods echoed the sentiments of both McIlroy and Westwood, insisting Clarke would prove an excellent skipper if selected.

"I think he would make a great captain," stated the American. "Darren's one of my best friends out here, he's just a great guy.

"I think he'd make a great leader. I don't know what the process is for you guys, how you select your captain - but if he is, he'd be a great one."